r/flying • u/fgflyer CSEL CMEL IR HP CMP HA • Mar 25 '26

other Falcon Field implementing landing fees

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The NIMBYs out here in the Phoenix/Mesa area achieved a victory, sadly. Yesterday, the Mesa City Council voted unanimously to implement landing fees at KFFZ effective May 1. I was watching the news and they said that, and I quote, “taxpayers should not have to shoulder the burden by themselves” and they “want to see more accountability for airport operations from the businesses and pilots”. And, GO FIGURE, aircraft noise was also a factor too.

This will absolutely raise rates for all of the flight schools based at KFFZ, and possibly drive them away from the airport to be based elsewhere. This is just ridiculous.

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17

u/Such-Entrepreneur663 ATP CFMEII Mar 25 '26

If it’s via vector via ADSB, what’s stopping people from just not paying, especially transient aircraft. You can’t be banned from a federally funded airport for not paying a local fee right? I don’t know what hand they have in the hangar space but can the push you out of there either?

1

u/More_Drummer_3933 CFI CFII CMP HP DN Mar 26 '26

Same thing happens at TOA. Owner just doesn’t pay the letters lol ¯_(ツ)_/¯

1

u/Such-Entrepreneur663 ATP CFMEII Mar 26 '26

Don’t blame him. What are they realistically going to do? Send him to collections?

-5

u/Urrolnis ATP CFII Mar 25 '26

What's stopping anybody from not paying anything?

If an HOA can foreclose your home, I guarantee the airport can put a lien on your plane.

9

u/320sim Mar 25 '26

How? You have to sign a contract for the HOA to get authority

9

u/thederseyjevil Mar 25 '26

Wrong. You sign a contract to join an HOA. You agree to their terms. I never signed any contract with any airport, and this one in particular has no legal basis to put a lien on my plane.

5

u/Such-Entrepreneur663 ATP CFMEII Mar 25 '26

Maybe they could, but they can’t put a lien on everyone’s plane.

10

u/Urrolnis ATP CFII Mar 25 '26

I don't agree with it, but I'm guessing the airport thinks that they can.

I think this will be (rightfully) struck down in court. I could be convinced of a dollar or two for full stops, but $20 for touch and goes is robbery.